The Black Rock neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial properties, with most of the retail stores being located along Fairfield Avenue, the main thoroughfare, which connects Black Rock to Fairfield and downtown Bridgeport. Fairfield Avenue is in a state of transition with older businesses being replaced by upscale restaurants, cafes, espresso bars, gourmet ice cream shops, and art galleries. The Black Rock Branch Library renovation and expansion were completed in 2009. The library has been expanded from its original 6,000 square feet (560 m2) to 11,000 square feet (1,000 m2). Additionally, the entire facility has been modernized, with the installation of 12 public access computers, free Wi-Fi throughout the building and the construction of two large program rooms and a smaller conference room. The library is also fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

While businesses in Black Rock are located primarily along Fairfield Avenue, most of the 2,628 properties in Black Rock are for residential use. Residences comprise 86% of properties in Black Rock, 10% is commercial, and only 4% are industrial or other property classes.[1]

The residential areas lie on either side of Fairfield Avenue with less density closer to the waterfront. The area of least density is a section called St. Mary's-by-the-Sea and consists of Resident AA zoned properties which require a minimum lot of 11,250 SF, although most lots are larger than the minimum. Grovers Hill is the highest elevation in Black Rock and some of the most expensive properties in Black Rock are located on this hill with views of Long Island Sound. There are also direct waterfront properties, including two condominium complexes on the Sound and two on the Ash Creek tidal estuary. St. Mary's-by-the-Sea also has a 9-acre (36,000 m2) public park along the Sound with half a mile of sidewalks and an area for bird watching.

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History[edit]

Black Rock was settled about the same time as Fairfield, which was many years before Brigeport even existed. As Bridgeport grew to be the largest city in Connecticut, Black Rock was absorbed into its city limits.

Early Map of Fairfield and Black Rock - Before the settlement of Bridgeport.

Before Black Rock was incorporated into Bridgeport, there was also the community of Stratfield which has also been absorbed into modern Bridgeport. Stratfield was originally known as Pequonnock and was located about midway between Black Rock and the original settlement of Bridgeport. The cemetery known as Stratfield Burying Place is located here and has many of Black Rock's early settlers interred there.

Lifestyle[edit]

Black Rock attracts artists, academics, young professionals, and retirees who desire to live in an affordable waterfront community on Long Island Sound. This Fairfield County community has been the focus of three articles by the New York Times over the past few years, "Living in St Mary's-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: The Saltwater Smell Means You're Home" (May 23, 2010), “Living in Black Rock, Connecticut: A Community with Spirit and an Edge” (August 8, 2004) and “If You’re Thinking of Living In St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea, Connecticut: At Peninsula’s End, a Waterside Enclave” (June 9, 2002).

Black Rock is likely to become even more desirable when the Fairfield Metro train station construction is completed (estimated completion date is 2012.[2] Because technically the train station will be located in Fairfield, not Bridgeport, it is not to be called the Black Rock train station despite its proximity to the town line. The access road to the train station will connect to Brewster Street in Bridgeport. Black Rock is also convenient to I-95 for commuters to Stamford or New Haven.

Black Rock has a rich history dating back to its heritage as a colonial seaport. In the late 19th century and early 20th century wealthy merchants built beautiful homes in Black Rock. One of these homes with 3 acres (12,000 m2) of land and 16 rooms "("The Chimneys") is located on Old Battery Road. Old Battery Road is located on Grovers Hill, one of the highest elevations in Black Rock, which also affords views of the Sound. Grovers Avenue, Penfield Place, Beacon Street, and Anchorage Drive are also have direct waterfront properties and deep water docks.

The S. S. Norden Club (founded 1902), Captain’s Cove Seaport, Black Rock Yacht Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, Harborview Market, & the Arts & Entertainment District on Fairfield Avenue offer culture, dining, and recreational activities. Black Rock is an artsy and eclectic community where newcomers are quickly integrated into the neighborhood as they join together on community projects and events.

Community Council[edit]

The Black Rock Community Council (BRCC), founded in 1976, is the oldest and largest community membership organization in the area. The Council’s mission is to promote projects that will enhance the quality of life of Black Rock’s residents and businesses, including recreational, educational, and business development initiatives. Some of the Council’s activities include:

The Black Rock Day Road Race, Parade & Picnic

The Black Rock Newsletter

Beautification Efforts

Lighthouse Preservation

Little League Sponsorship

Christmas Tree Lighting

Easter Egg Hunt

Community Forums

Public Safety/Block Watches

Black Rock Business District Initiatives

Scholarships

Community Planning

Business Association[edit]

The Black Rock Business Association (BRBA), originated in 2005, is a group of Black Rock business owners who work together to promote Black Rock as a shopping, dining and entertainment district.

The Black Rock Business Association's activities include:

Black Rock Harvest Hootenanny

Managing local website and calendar for www.EnjoyBlackRock.com

Seasonal neighborhood clean-up projects

Business development workshops, open to the community

Sponsorship of neighborhood enhancements, such as trash pick-up

Development[edit]

Fairfield Avenue in the Black Rock is going through significant revitalization[when?] which includes restaurants, art galleries, and a new library with WI-FI capabilities. The neighborhood's nearby waterfront, the location of the commercial corridor and the new commuter rail station have all had a positive effect on the area.[3][1]

Further reading[edit]

Black Rock: A Bicentennial Picture Book - A Visual History of the Old Seaport of Bridgeport: 1644 to 1976, edited and designed by Dick Jones and published by the Black Rock Civic and Men’s Club, Inc. in 1976.